The BBC said the museum will also hold a contemporary art exhibition of works inspired by "Pride and Prejudice" from June to September.

Costumes worn in the iconic 1995 BBC adaptation of the novel, along with the white shirt Darcy portrayer Colin Firth wore as he emerged from a lake in one famous scene, will be on display later this year, the British broadcaster said.

"We're not sure if we're going to have it on display wet, but if we do, we'll have to spray it daily with water," Smith said.